INTRODUCTION

We are sorry - this grant scheme is now closed. However, a similar city-wide scheme is now being run by the council. Please see: www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/vacant-commercial-property-grant-scheme.

The following information has been left up for information purposes only…

The Bedminster Business Improvement District (BID) is calling on business owners and landlords to apply for a new set of grants aiming to support new business on East Street.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available, funded by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) through its Love Our High Streets project, to regenerate currently underused shops, cafes, artists studios and offices in East Street, Cannon Street and Bedminster Parade. The aim is to bring new types of uses into the area, thereby strengthening and diversifying the current offer. Applications are open to small existing businesses seeking to grow, new business start-ups or existing landlords with vacant premises that require refurbishment.

WHY EAST ST?

An important corridor from South Bristol to the city centre, East Street enjoys heavy commuter traffic by bus, foot and car at all times of the day. Looking towards the future, over 2,000 new homes and student properties are being built or planned in the area, signalling a major increase in local demand for the right independent retailers and service providers to thrive in a successful and bustling revived centre.

Neighbouring North Street, East Street is ideally set to extend Bedminster’s independent and original spirit, welcoming creative entrepreneurs to its incredible community.

WORD ON THE STREET

The idea of getting £10k to help open would be everything. We could pay for the whole fit, and the rest.

It’s friendly here. This is all good.
We love working here.

EAST ST- A FRESH LOOK

With over 3,000 new residents forecast to be living on or next to East Street in the next few years and business starter grants of up to £10,000, it’s time to take a fresh look at East Street! Properties of various sizes are available including some prime corner units such as the former Barclays Bank at the entrance to East Street, the newly refurbished 127 East Street and over 7,000sqft on flexible lease terms at the former BonMarche building.

The Bedminster BID is working closely with local developers, Bristol City Council and WECA to bring forward a major upgrade to East Street in terms of the public realm, street furniture, pedestrian (shopper) priority and public art. An outline version has been produced which is currently going through a detailed and costing exercise before seeking funding - see eaststreetvision.com.

APPLY FOR A GRANT

Applications are assessed on merit, job creation and the applicants own investment into the business. Applications for funding will be considered on a first come first serve basis.

Central to our application process is a good business plan. You may have a sound business plan already if not there are numerous templates and free examples online. In addition we are working closely with YTKO (https://westofengland.ytko.com) and the South Bristol Enterprise Support programme (www.sbes.org.uk) and have arranged a joint support package to guide you through the application process and beyond…

Webinars

Join Bedminster BID and YTKO for an online webinar that will introduce you to the grant programme and provide you with all the details and information you need to submit an application.

The entrepreneur experts at YTKO will help you develop your application to the point of submission by covering topics such as; what makes a good grant application, how to make a business plan, understanding East Street and understanding the competition and opportunities

Dates:

Tuesday 10 August, 2pm Register Now!
Tuesday 21 September, 2pm Register Now!

Contacts

In the first instance please review the links and attachments below which set out all you need to make an application or if you need to speak to someone then please do contact us as follows:

Business planning and support enquiries: please contact the YTKO team through westofengland@ytko.com or call 0800 917 9324, referencing the Love Our High Streets scheme in your enquiry.

Bedminster and local retail enquiries: please contact George Grace at Bedminster BID, business@bedminster.org.uk, 07801790645

BEFORE APPLYING PLEASE BE SURE TO NOTE THE CLOSING DOWN TIMELINE FOR THIS PROJECT ...

CLOSING SOON!

Please note that this grant scheme is closing soon - any new applications need to be agreed by 31st October and all works must be completed and funding spent by March 2022. (Existing applications are able to complete funding/works by the end of 2022.)